PITTSBURGH – Pittsburgh Steelers nose tackle Montravius Adams left Sunday night’s game against the New York Jets due to a knee injury, leaving his return to the field uncertain. Adams, who had been dealing with a knee issue throughout the week, was upgraded to play after being limited in practice on Friday, but unfortunately, his injury resurfaced during the game.
With Adams sidelined, the Steelers are thin at the defensive line position. The team dressed six defensive linemen for the matchup, with Cam Heyward, Keeanu Benton, and Larry Ogunjobi as the starters. Backing them up are Dean Lowry and Isaiahh Loudermilk, but neither has extensive experience as a nose tackle. Benton, a rising talent, is now expected to carry a significant load in the middle of the defense.
Steelers Defensive Line Impacted by Montravius Adams’ Injury
Adams’ injury comes at a time when the Steelers are already dealing with depth concerns on the defensive line. Signed by the Steelers off the New Orleans Saints’ practice squad in November 2021, Adams has been a crucial part of Pittsburgh’s defensive rotation, particularly as a nose tackle. He made a solid impact last season, playing in 13 games with eight starts and recording 24 tackles and one forced fumble. His role in the Steelers’ defense has evolved, but with Benton emerging as a key player, Adams’ snaps had decreased slightly.
Adams had a standout year in 2022, playing all 17 games and starting in nine of them. He logged 281 defensive snaps, the second-most of his career, and finished the season with 26 total tackles, four quarterback pressures, and one pass defended. Since joining the Steelers, Adams has shown versatility and toughness, filling a critical role in the team’s defensive front. Across his entire NFL career, Adams has played in 85 games, starting 25 of them, with 21 of those starts coming in Pittsburgh. His career totals include 109 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles.
The Steelers’ defensive line has been a core strength, but Adams’ absence could test their depth. With the regular season nearing its mid-point, his injury status will be closely monitored. If Adams is unable to return soon, the team may need to consider adding more depth or adjusting their defensive schemes to compensate for his absence.
Steelers Defensive Strategy in Question Following Adams’ Exit
As the Steelers push through a competitive AFC, having a healthy defensive front will be essential for their playoff hopes. The team will likely turn to Keeanu Benton, who has shown great potential as a young player, to take on a more prominent role in the absence of Adams. However, losing a veteran presence like Adams could create challenges in maintaining the team’s defensive consistency, especially in high-stakes games.
Adams’ situation highlights the unpredictability of the NFL, where injuries can quickly change the dynamics of a team’s season. As the Steelers continue to compete, they’ll need to adapt and find ways to overcome these challenges.
